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The Global Retirement Report has named the best country for pensioners in 2025, with Europe coming first in quality of life and healthcare

New research from The Global Retirement Report has unveiled the top destination for pensioners in 2025. The comprehensive study assessed 44 nations across the globe that provide passive income visas or retirement residence permits, examining key elements including economics, taxation, quality of life, safety and integration.

Whilst European nations dominated in quality of life and healthcare provision, American countries proved strongest for tax efficiency. Meanwhile, Asian destinations earned praise for their warm climates and budget-friendly cost of living.

Patricia Casaburi, CEO at Global Citizen Solutions, commented: “This year’s ranking is led by Portugal, Mauritius, Spain, Uruguay, and Austria, countries that excel across our six sub-indexes and set the gold standard for international retirement migration”, reports the Express.

10. Chile

Chile has incredible natural beauty and an immersive culture, which makes it an attractive option for many pensioners. The country is also considered one of the safest in South America and has low levels of corruption.

9. Latvia

Latvia is an increasingly popular destination for British expats due to its affordable cost of living and healthcare system. The country offers beautiful coastal towns, historic cities and gorgeous natural landscapes.

8. Malta

Retiring in Malta is a popular choice for those looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to enjoy their retirement. Malta offers cheap property prices, friendly locals and a warm climate.

7. Slovenia

According to International Living, Slovenia is a hidden gem in Europe. It offers a fantastic balance of affordable living, stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and welcoming people. The country has “everything an expat could want at a price that won’t break the bank”.

6. Italy

Italy is also a popular country for British expats, with warm weather, delicious food, and excellent healthcare. Pensioners looking for a slower pace of life will find it in some of Italy’s most stunning regions, which offer a relaxed and balanced way of life.

5. Austria

Experts at Expatica explained: “With its high quality of life, low crime rate, and excellent social security system, it’s hardly surprising that nearly a third of expats living in Austria consider staying there for life and spending their retirement there. All in all, for those retiring in Austria, life is pretty sweet.”

4. Uruguay

Uruguay has a wonderful culture, beautiful beaches, an affordable cost of living, and a subtropical climate, making it an attractive destination for thousands of expats who choose to retire there every year.

3. Spain

Spain often ranks among the top five international retirement spots. Experts at Immigrantinvest explained: “Its warm climate, rich culture, affordable cost of living, and high-quality healthcare system make Spain an attractive option for retirees.”

2. Mauritius

According to the Global Retirement Report, Mauritius is the second-best country to retire abroad, with a score of 89.24.

Dr Laura Madrid Sartoretto, Research Lead at GCS’ Global Intelligence Unit, said: “Mauritius has a very reliable procedure. It’s fast, transparent, and one of the countries that has the best options for tax optimisation. People who don’t want to have any fiscal risk when moving abroad with their pensions choose countries like Mauritius because it doesn’t have a worldwide tax system.”

1. Portugal

Portugal has been crowned the most attractive destination in the world for retirees, offering “high standards of living and quality healthcare with relatively low day-to-day expenses”.

Portugal has a pleasant climate, charming cities and idyllic rural and coastal scenery. Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, said: “Portugal is an outstanding destination for retirees and well-deserving of being crowned the world’s top retirement location.”

WASHINGTON — The Navy admiral who oversees military operations in the region where U.S. forces have been attacking alleged drug boats off Venezuela will retire in December, he and the Defense Secretary announced Thursday.

Adm. Alvin Holsey became the leader of U.S. Southern Command only in November, overseeing an area that encompasses the Caribbean Sea and waters off South America. These types of postings typically last between three and four years.

The news of Holsey’s upcoming retirement comes two days after the U.S. military’s fifth deadly strike in the Caribbean against a small boat accused of carrying drugs. The Trump administration has asserted it’s treating alleged drug traffickers as unlawful combatants who must be met with military force.

Frustration with the attacks has been growing on Capitol Hill. Some Republicans have been seeking more information from the White House on the legal justification and details of the strikes, while Democrats contend the strikes violate U.S. and international law.

Holsey said in a statement posted on the command’s Facebook page that it’s “been an honor to serve our nation, the American people and support and defend our Constitution for over 37 years.”

“The SOUTHCOM team has made lasting contributions to the defense of our nation and will continue to do so,” he said. “I am confident that you will forge ahead, focused on your mission that strengthens our nation and ensures its longevity as a beacon of freedom around the globe.”

U.S. Southern Command did not provide any more information beyond the admiral’s statement.

In a post on X on Thursday afternoon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Holsey for his “decades of service to our country, and we wish him and his family continued success and fulfillment in the years ahead.”

“Admiral Holsey has demonstrated unwavering commitment to mission, people, and nation,” Hegseth wrote.

Officials at the Pentagon did not provide any more information and referred the Associated Press to Hegseth’s statement on social media.

The New York Times first reported on Holsey’s plans to leave his position.

Toropin and Finley write for the Associated Press.

A recent study has pinpointed the perfect spot to enjoy some sea air and unwind after decades of work

After years of toiling away in bustling towns and cities, it’s no surprise that many retirees crave a more peaceful existence. A recent study has pinpointed the ideal spot to enjoy some sea air and unwind after decades of graft, with a Welsh seaside town being hailed as the best place for a tranquil retirement.

This year’s list, compiled by Taking Care, is topped by the Victorian seaside destination of Llandudno. This charming town, nestled on the North Wales coast, clinched the top spot, outshining Glossop, Tynemouth and Ilfracombe.

The study took into account factors ranging from life expectancy to property prices to average care home costs, should they ever be needed.

Beyond the core statistics, the study also factored in the amount of green spaces, bingo halls, English Heritage properties and other amenities that contribute to an entertaining lifestyle.

With a population of just 19,700 according to the 2021 census, the town offers ample opportunities for socialising, but also plenty of quiet spots when you need a breather.

The town’s seafront is its heart, boasting a two-mile stretch of Victorian terraces intermingled with grand hotels, reports Wales Online.

There are numerous lovely shops, restaurants, churches, and museums to discover, and the pier boasts a selection of slot machines and a pub with views across the beach – something that residents are delighted to say feels like stepping back through time.

Ray, 80, who moved to Llandudno nearly three decades ago, told The Telegraph: “Living here is like going back 50 years.

“The older ladies still dress nicely. You can go out for walks after dark. There are no rough gangs going around swearing and fighting.”

Adjacent Conwy can also provide a delightful day trip to explore additional retailers and boutiques offering a much wider selection.

Helen Parkes, who relocated to the town with her family, added: “It’s [Llandudno] lacking in terms of retail and culture – Conwy next door has had more spent on it and has more independent shops – but living here, you do realise life’s not all about spending.”

While picturesque North Wales might be the perfect location for retirement, Scotland seems to have surfaced as one of the worst options, particularly its capital.

Amongst all the places evaluated, Edinburgh came last with an average life expectancy of 79 and an overall lifestyle score of 3.8/10, proving that city living can come at a cost.

The capital also proved to be expensive, with annual care costs in the city hitting nearly £40,000 on average, with just one care home for every 778 elderly residents.

If you’re thinking of relocating for retirement, you have some big decisions to make! First you should weigh the pros and cons to see if relocating is really your best move. Yes, you can end up with a lower cost of living, but will you be far from loved ones, and can you handle that?

Next, you’ll need to choose your destination. Once you choose it, it can be smart to just try living there for a few months or a year, to see how good a fit it is.

Image source: Getty Images.

We’ve got reports on the best states to retire in and the cheapest states, as well. The best states include Florida, Nebraska, Maryland, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The least costly states include Pennsylvania, Iowa, Tennessee, Nevada, and Texas. Remember, though, that the most affordable states could have features you don’t like, like poor access to good healthcare or tough winters or summers. And the best states might cost a little more than you’d like.

If you’re wondering which cities to consider, you might focus on the states that seem best for you and then check out which towns in them get the highest marks. Or search online for lists of great retirement cities.

One such list, from U.S. News and World Report, featured the following top five cities for retirees: Naples, Florida; Virginia Beach, Virginia; New York City, New York; Sarasota, Florida, and Boise, Idaho. I’ll state the obvious here: They are very different places. Virginia Beach’s recent median home value was $376,063, while Naples’ was $1.2 million. Sarasota has a population of 56,000, while New York City’s tops 8 million.

Make a list of your most important factors — such as climate, affordability, healthcare access, taxes, crime, recreational opportunities, etc. — and see which cities best fit your needs.

Luc Robitaille knew his hockey playing career was over when it took him longer to get his battered body ready for a game than it did to play it.

“It became harder and harder physically,” said Robitaille, whose next stop was the hall of fame. “I think I knew at that point.”

And once his mind was made up, there was no turning back.

For Anze Kopitar, who is in the peak of good health, the decision was a little different. The Kings’ longtime center announced last month that, at 38, he will retire after this season and spend more time with his family. But, like Robitaille, there will be no turning back.

“I’m not going to change my mind,” he said.

In fact, he’s not going to change anything. Kopitar said he’s approaching this season, his 20th with the Kings, the same way he approached the first 19.

“The last few years, I told myself that I have to enjoy it because you don’t know when the ending is com[ing],” he said. “So I’ve been enjoying it. I’m obviously having a lot of fun, still playing the game. This year won’t be any different.

“The focus is still on this season.”

A season that kicks off Tuesday when the Kings host the Colorado Avalanche. But while Kopitar is starting the season the same way as always, he’s hoping for a different ending since the Kings’ last four years have ended with first-round playoff losses to the Edmonton Oilers.

Another Stanley Cup title would be a nice parting gift, especially since Kopitar, entering a team-record 10th season as captain, would be the first man to hoist the trophy, an honor that went to Dustin Brown when the Kings won in 2012 and 2014.

“I’d like to win every year. I’d like to win this year,” he said.

“My kids weren’t born when we won, so I’d like to win so they can experience that feeling too.”

Kings captain Anze Kopitar skates during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks in March.

(Michael Reaves / Getty Images)

However Kopitar’s season finishes, his career will end with him joining Robitaille, now the Kings president, in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He is the Kings’ all-time leader in games (1,454), assists (838) and winning goals (78) and ranks in the top three in goals, points, plus-minus and power-play scores.

And just nine players in NHL history have played more games with one team than Kopitar, who has spent his entire career with the Kings.

Unlike Robitaille, he’s hardly hobbling off into retirement. He led the Kings with 46 assists and was second with 67 points last season, playing in 81 of 82 games. He also won his third Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, which goes to the player exhibiting the best sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in the NHL.

But his two children — daughter Neza, 10, is a talented figure skater and son Jakob, 9, plays hockey — deserve more of his time and attention, he said.

“I still love to be in hockey and I’m still productive,” Kopitar said. “But on the flip side, the kids need their dad to be more present and be a dad, not a hockey player. I can walk away on my own terms and not be forced to retire because of injuries and because the body’s not holding up.”

Anze Kopitar and his wife, Ines, attend a Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena in January 2024.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

That wasn’t Robitaille’s experience. A fractured ankle late in career and lower back pain so severe he could hardly get out of bed, led to his retirement in 2006, less than six months before Kopitar’s NHL debut.

“It kind of felt to me that I had squeezed everything out of the lemon. There was nothing left,” Robitaille said. “I was really at peace.”

As for what advice he’d give his captain, Robitaille said he’ll tell Kopitar to make time to stop and smell the roses on his last trip around the league.

“If you listen to 99% of the guys that retire in any sport, the one thing they miss is the [locker] room,” he said. “So when you know you’re near the end, you’ve got to make sure you pay attention to every one of those little moments that you’re going to miss for the next 50 years of your life.

“You’re playing a game. You’re 30 years old or 40 years old — 38 for Kopi — and he’s playing a game. It’s amazing. Most people don’t get to do that in their life, you know?”

Kopitar’s decision comes with the Kings at a crossroads. They tied team records for points (105) and wins (48) last season while going a franchise-best 31-6-4 at home in Jim Hiller’s first full season as coach. That earned the team second place in the Pacific Division, its best finish in a decade.

Kings captain Anze Kopitar, left, speaks to defenseman Drew Doughty during a game against the Winnipeg Jets in December 2023.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The postseason was déjà vu all over again, however, with the Oilers eliminating the Kings.

General manager Rob Blake resigned four days later and was replaced by Ken Holland, who won four Stanley Cups as GM of the Detroit Red Wings. The Kings’ core is also in transition because when Kopitar steps aside, only defenseman Drew Doughty will remain from their Stanley Cup-winning teams.

“Passing the torch, [we]’ve been trying to for the past few years, been trying to mentor some of the kids in this locker room,” Kopitar said. “Maybe that’s what it is.”

Holland had mixed results in his first summer with the Kings, adding forwards Corey Perry (who will miss the first month of the season because of a knee injury) and Joel Armia, defensemen Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci and goalkeeper Anton Forsberg, and re-signing winger Andrei Kuzmenko to a club-friendly contract.

Also back are leading scorers Kevin Fiala and Adrian Kempe, who had 35 goals each, wingers Warren Foegele and Quinton Byfield and goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who had a career-best 2.02 goals-against average and finished third in Vezina Trophy voting.

But Holland lost veteran defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to the New York Rangers and failed to land Mitch Marner, the summer’s most-sought player, who wound up in Las Vegas.

And now he’s the team’s first general manager in two decades who has been forced to ponder a future without Anze Kopitar.

Anze Kopitar takes the ice before a game against the Winnipeg Jets in December 2023.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

“We’re really going to enjoy having Kopi in the lineup this year. But next summer it’s going to be a big void,” Holland said on the Canucks Central podcast. “He’s big and strong. And it’s hard to find big, strong, talented centermen.

“He’s very intelligent. And I think the team follows his lead.”

As for Kopitar, he’s not thinking past the next nine months. He has the rest of his life to figure out what comes next.

“I haven’t really given too much thought of what’s going to happen [next], except for being home for my kids,” he said. “I’ll take my time and then see what, see what life throws at me.

“I’m going to miss the game of hockey. What I’m not gonna miss is working out, getting ready for the season, all the hours you’ve got to put in. But the game itself, of course, I’m going to miss it. It’s been here for the better part of 35 years. But listen, the summers are going to be more enjoyable.”

The S&P 500 has continued to notch new record highs this year, thanks in large part to soaring interest in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which is fueling massive spending on both hardware and software. But as impressive as the S&P 500’s 17% gains over the past year have been, they pale in comparison to AI data analytics company BigBear.ai Holdings‘ (BBAI 9.63%) 273% climb over that period.

When a stock delivers returns like this in such a short amount of time, it’s understandable that some investors might start to think that buying and holding it could help them retire as millionaires. We’re in the early innings of AI, after all, so why can’t brighter days still be ahead for this stock?

Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s the right way to think about BigBear.ai. In fact, it might be best not to own this stock right now at all. 

Image source: Getty Images.

Why BigBear.ai stock is soaring

There’s a lot of optimism among investors right now surrounding artificial intelligence stocks, as companies and governments invest in AI data center infrastructure and increase their use of AI software. One way BigBear.ai is tapping into this demand is by offering AI logistics and analytics, which can improve the efficiency of everything from supply chains to national security.

Management says the company’s total addressable market was $80 billion in 2024, but it forecasts that it could grow to $272 billion by 2028 for the combined private and public sectors. Part of the enthusiasm for the company’s shares comes as the U.S increases its spending on AI defense, a market that could be worth up to $70 billion by the mid-2030s. BigBear.ai makes a “significant portion” of its revenue from government contracts, and AI defense is an important component of its potential.

Also, because AI stock enthusiasm is sky high right now, BigBear.ai has at times surged for no obvious reason. Case in point: Last week, after trending down over a period of a couple of months, it jumped by more than 10% in a single session on no news at all.

Why BigBear.ai won’t help you retire a millionaire

If the good news is that BigBear.ai’s stock has made impressive gains over the past year (albeit quite bumpy ones), the bad news is that the company has little to show in the way of growth. Revenue fell 18% year over year to $32.5 million in Q2, following another decline in Q1.

With sales slipping, management recently cut its revenue guidance for the year to about $132 million — 22% lower than the midpoint of its previous forecast. Lower sales volumes from some government contracts were the problem during the quarter, but upon closer inspection of the details, BigBear.ai’s situation doesn’t look much better.

The company’s gross margins slid to 25% in the quarter, down from nearly 28% in the year-ago period. That continued a pattern of inconsistency over the past year. Worse, BigBear.ai is nowhere near profitable. Its non-GAAP (adjusted) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) came to a loss of $8.5 million in the quarter, significantly worse than its adjusted loss of $3.7 million in Q2 2024.

The picture that should be coming into focus here is that BigBear.ai isn’t much of a growth stock. A temporary slowdown in business could be forgivable, but that’s not happening with the company. Instead, its sales continue to slide, and its losses are widening.

With all that in mind, I have serious doubts that BigBear.ai stock could grow from here in a way that would help its shareholders retire as millionaires. The stock is riding the AI wave right now, but financial reality will eventually catch up with it.

Anze Kopitar, widely considered the greatest player in Kings franchise history and poised to become the team’s all-time leading scorer, announced Thursday he will retire at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Entering his 20th season with the Kings and the final year of his contract, the decision was somewhat expected from the 38-year-old team captain. He told KCAL News last month he was thinking about retirement and that it could be his last NHL season.

Kings general manager Ken Holland told NHL Network Radio in July that Kopitar indicated he wasn’t seeking a contract extension this summer and was intending to take things a “year at a time.”

Kopitar’s announcement came only hours after Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw announced he would retire at the end of the season.

Kopitar’s Hall of Fame credentials have already been established. The greatest player ever from Slovenia, he helped lead the Kings to the franchise’s Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014 as part of a core four that included Dustin Brown, Jonathan Quick and Drew Doughty.

Kopitar is second all-time in franchise scoring, with 1,278 points in a franchise-leading 1,454 games played. He is 30 points away from breaking Marcel Dionne’s team record for most points (1,307). He ranks third all-time in franchise goals (440) behind Luc Robitaille (557) and Dionne (550) and leads in assists (838). He is a two-time Selke trophy winner (best defensive forward) and three-time Lady Byng trophy winner (gentlemanly play).

Drafted 11th overall by the Kings in 2005, Kopitar made an immediate impact during his 2006-07 rookie season, finishing with 20 goals and 61 points for a downtrodden team that was in the middle of a six-year playoff drought.

Kings center Anze Kopitar celebrates with the Stanley Cup after the Kings defeated the New Jersey Devils to win the franchise’s first title in 2012.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Eventually, with Doughty joining the team in 2008 coupled with steady growth from Brown, Quick and Kopitar, the Kings returned to the playoffs in 2010 before capturing the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in 2012.

Kopitar has stood out on a team that has had many greats, including NHL all-time leading scorer Wayne Gretzky.

“It’s really hard for me to sit here and say I’m the greatest King. That’s just not my personality. Far from it,” Kopitar told The Times’ Helene Elliott in 2023. “There’s been great Kings in this organization, with Marcel, Luc, Dave [Taylor], Wayne, Blakey [Rob Blake]. The list can go on for a little bit. Brownie. Individually, yes, but it’s about collective wins.”

With Kopitar’s decision, the biggest roster question facing the Kings remains whether they can re-sign Adrian Kempe to a long-term deal. Kempe, who has led the team in points the last two seasons, is in the final year of his contract.

The Kings open the preseason Sunday against the Ducks in the Empire Classic at Toyota Arena in Ontario. They begin the regular season against the Colorado Avalanche at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 7.

This is a developing story. The Times will have more on Kopitar’s decision to retire at the end of the season soon.

Stacy Lewis, the captain of the United States’ 2024 Solheim Cup-winning team, says she will retire from golf at the end of the LPGA season.

The 40-year-old won 13 LPGA titles, including two majors, and led the United States to victory over Europe in last year’s Solheim Cup.

She also spent 25 weeks as world number one and was named LPGA Player of the Year in 2012 and 2014.

Lewis’ achievements came despite being diagnosed with curvature of the spine at the age of 11 and spending the next seven years wearing a back brace for 18 hours a day.

“Never in a million years would I have thought this journey playing golf would still be going in 2025, but the time has come to put the clubs away,” Lewis wrote on social media.

“I am going to miss the LPGA Tour family and this part of my life, but my body has told me it’s time.”

Lewis’ two major victories were at the 2011 Chevron Championship and the 2013 women’s British Open.

She represented the United States four times at the Solheim Cup as a player and twice as captain – including last year’s dramatic 15½-12½ victory in Virginia – as well as finishing in a share of fourth place at the 2016 Rio Olympics.